Adorable restaurant in Bergenfield, NJ with a surprisingly large space. It seems like they host a…read morelot of private parties and events--we've tried to dine here before but ran into party setups a few times. We finally made it in on a Friday evening, and it was nice and quiet. Service was spot-on, and the food was excellent. We really enjoyed everything we ordered. Definitely a place we'll be returning to. ---byob

This place is so cute! You walk in and it feels like you've arrived to the tea party. The…read morethoughtful decor and china is absolutely beautiful. We went for dinner on a Saturday night, but this would be the perfect spot for a gorgeous bridal shower or ladies brunch. I don't live in the area, but I would throw something girly here for sure! The food was very good, and the service was attentive, however, we were the only table at 7pm on a Saturday until after our food arrived, and then one other couple came in. This place should have been packed with date night guests.

I don't get lots of chances to come here, but when I can, I run! Owner and sweetheart of a lady…read moreAnnarella and her family have truly given us something special. This is Cuban food your abuela - and in Annarella's case, her dear Mima - would make for you. (And many of the recipes are hers) Everything on their menu is good. Seriously, you can't go wrong: Mima's daily specials, empanadas, the De Todito Pollo chicken sandwich, Mima's croquetas, the oxtail sandwich, the Cuban sandwich & medianoche, the vaca frita fries (yes, if I lived closer, I'd be even chunkier for sure!) and one of my cravings, the Elena Ruz (a classic Cuban treat of turkey, cream cheese and strawberry jam - it just works!) Important to note: "Asi viene el sandwich meng!" Please don't ask for modifications on anything they make - just trust them and have the true experiencia cubana - they know what they're doing. :) It's a sweet, tiny spot with a cute counter to enjoy your feast. They also have great fruit batidos (shakes) - mango, fruta bomba (papaya) and mamey -- all delicious and made fresh. They'll also make a cafecito for you - all part of the most lovely, authentic Cuban experience you'll ever have for many miles. Dale!

Great Cuban spot! We were thinking of heading to Jersey to get Cuban and then found this highly…read morerated cafe so decided to head over and I'm so glad we did. The space is small and cute with a counter to eat and appears to be very clean. The owner (I think the woman is the owner) is super friendly. The food is all reasonably priced and is fantastic. Went with ropa vieja, cuban sandwich, empanada, and the pudding dessert. It's one of those places that after you leave you text ppl in the area telling them they have to come here.

right when you walk through the doors its got a really great relaxing chill vibe. loved it and…read morenailed it . i ordered the brisket empanada and let me tell you it was bomb . com hahaha. yes i used it and yes its a old phrase but man the outer shell crispy to perfection and the brisket was well flavored with that bbq bite with smokey goodness....... yummmmmm. second was the cheeseburger empanada. also crispy perfection on the outside and not a thick outer shell at all. the inside was the perfect combo of meat and cheese omg i should have ordered more then just the 2. i will be back before i leave for more then 2 thats for a fact !!!!!! this is a must try spot for all you foodies out there that re out for something out of the normal . MAKE SURE YOU GET THE SALSAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!! service here is a A++++

There comes a time in every man's life where he must embrace the viscerality of his fatness. The…read morementality of his glutton. Pop's Empanadas is a great way to explore that depressive, or impressive, state of mind. The sun barrels its way into my workspace on a spring afternoon. I welcome its studs up challenge and continue to dribble until I can no longer not acknowledge the aura of Apollo's chariot. - I don't recognize Helios as my Sun god, deal with it. - I check my meagerly checking account and my minute wallet and decide "F it" I've not got but do got a few buccaroons to spare as I continue to wheel around for the cheddar in this rat race we call life. In doing so - I notice a certain extensive tingle in my tummy. One that calls for mass amounts of food. In tandem, the shining sun begs me to bask in its warmth. I need to find some food. Sit in a park. Devour said park. And take a long enough lunch that somebody, somewhere, somehow thinks of me. Once that occurs, I will return between the rock and the hard place of which sits a desk, a chair, brittle bones and a big but battered heart. With my pension for poppin' sandwich and my expertise of my surround areas - radius of 45 mins in all direction - I half-conclude on Pop Empanada for my stroll, toll and roll. - TM'ing that don't even think about taking that line. Actually do think about it. And think about how you've never come up with something that original. This is in writing, I'm the first, I'm the last, I'm your everything. - Anyways, I take an 8 min drive out to a lot nearby and stumble in upon my order. The empanadas are solid, shrimp one is superior. Haven't tried them all. Not crying home to mama about em' but that's not the star of the show so it doesn't matter. I haven't tried everything and definitely should. But every time I'm feeling like I need to challenge my bowels I go straight for this Cuban Sandwich. My oh my. This thing may weigh 5 pounds. Packed to the brim. Sturdy bread. I mean it's literally one of the biggest boys I've ever corralled. It's tasty, tender, savory and sweet. Crunchy, chewy, choppy and neat. This would feed a normal man for an entire day. I, to no surprise of the reader, am not a normal man. By the end of munching on this crunching I'm panting and sweating and clenching my chest. My cholesterol spike so high that a doctor wouldn't even be able to help. By 75% of sandwich completion I don't even want the rest. It's just my hard wired protocol that this whole pups gotta hit the pound. I just gotsss to complete my task. This is probably the best Cuban I've ever had - in sandwich form... if you catch my straits of Florida drift. For the price, it is one of the best bang for buck sandwiches I've ever had. Highly recommend you give Pop Empanada a go. On a sunny mid week afternoon there's a hot chance you'll catch me reviving myself from a heart attack on the bench in the park only a stone throws away. Don't to try help me. It's all part of my sick game. Love you, babes, have a beautiful day - LB.

Returned to Rumba Cubana to enjoy their Sunday brunch menu…read more The restaurant was full of happy patrons and I always appreciate the nostalgic music adding to everyone's enjoyment. We started with a Bloody Mary and one of my favorites, Coconut Mojito. Rumba's Bartenders always create amazing libations and these two followed suit. The entrees were: Picadillo Jinetero (Cuban-style ground beef hash, served "a caballo" (on horseback) with two fried eggs and ripe plantains. It is a savory-sweet dish made with seasoned ground beef, sofrito, tomatoes, olives, capers, raisins, and Moro Rice). I enjoyed this dish, VERY MUCH. The ground beef was perfectly seasoned, I prefer the delectable dry Moro Rice, and those sweet plantains are divine. The other selection was the Tostones Montaditos (Fried green pressed plantains topped with Churrasco-Skirt Steak). Even though this is an appetizer, it is large enough to be a meal. Try it. I appreciated the attentive and cordial service from our Server, Eduardo. I placed a to-go order and not only was it securely packed, but Rumba also included another free appetizer coupon to the bag.

Rum in my cup, rumba in my step~…read more I'm no stranger to Rumba Cubana... It's my favorite Cuban restaurant group in New Jersey. I've visited multiple locations over the past few years and I've never been disappointed! They don't miss! No matter which spot I go to, the quality of the food, the warm service, and the lively ambiance are consistently amazing. We visited the Rochelle Park location on a Saturday night. It's right on Rt17 with a large parking lot, but it was packed when we arrived. There was a line of cars backed into the highway waiting for valet service. It's complimentary, so tip as you please. I honestly don't like to valet my car...... especially when I could easily park it myself right there LOL. But we didn't have a choice. *shrug* As always, Rumba's vibrant atmosphere didn't disappoint. You can feel the energy as soon as you walk in! The upbeat Latin music will have you swaying, I promise ;) The interior beautifully captures the culture and history of Cuba with colorful artwork, tropical plants, rattan pendant lamps, and large murals of Havana. It has a touch of elegance without feeling too upscale, so this restaurant is perfect for casual dining and special occasions like celebrations or date nights. We didn't have reservations and had to wait around 15 minutes for a table for two. No biggie - we sipped at the bar until our table was ready! The menu offers traditional Cuban dishes like ropa vieja, vaca frita, and bistec de palomilla along with a variety of tapas, mofongos, sandwiches, and sides. I ordered: *Taino Cocktail [El Jimador Reposado Cristalino, Ancho Reyes Verde, Tamarindo Pure, Agave Syrup, Fresh Lime Juice] ($14.95) - Oooo this was a sweet & spicy mix with a strong tequila finish! It's like a spicy margarita with a tropical twist. *Caribbean Punch Cocktail [Tanduay White Rum, Tanduay Gold Rum, Plantation Overproof Rum, Lime Juice, Guava, Orange, Pineapple Juice, Grenadine] ($13.95) - This drink was screaming my name! It's fruity, refreshing, and makes you feel like you're on an island. I just wish it had a liiiiiiitle more rum for a stronger punch, and that the glass wasn't filled with so much ice. *Ropa Vieja [shredded beef stewed in a sauce made with tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, garlic, cumin, olives, and sherry wine] ($15.95) - Cuba's national dish! The tomato-based sauce was perfectly seasoned and the beef was sooo tender... melt-in-your-mouth type of tender! My tummy was happy, but I wish the portion size was bigger! I paired it with a side order of tostones (fried plantains) and arroz blanco (white rice) with frijoles negros (black beans). The fluffy rice soaked up the rich sauces of the black beans & ropa vieja, so every bite was savory heaven~ The tostones were sliced, deep fried, and smashed to perfection. Crispy tostones + garlic mojo sauce = a perfect pairing. I could eat these all day! The only thing that's really missing here is...Can you guess? A DANCE FLOOR. Once they make room for that, y'all know where to find me. I'll be at the bar for drinks first and then dancing later! Need to satisfy your Cuban cravings? Look no further. Put some rumba in your step and head over here!

Met with friends for dinner and was pleasantly surprised to find out this is one of two locations…read more The food was great and the service was good. Best thing I tried was the queso frito with bacon and papaya jam. I'm used to it coming with guava jam/paste so this was a nice twist on the familiar appetizer. For dinner I had the camarónes enchilado which came with the white rice and maduros. Another usual plate that I always order and this one had a little bit of a spicy kick to it. Totally recommend stopping by if you're in the area. We also split the red sangria, the pitcher is a good portion, even for a party of four!

As of now 4 stars but I can easily see this going higher the more items I try...some real authentic…read moreCuban dishes here as well as other Spanish food. Small-ish storefront on Main Street with street parking and I'm sure some municipal lot somewhere. ( 2nd locatgion in New Milford) Friendly staff and experienced bartender. Great drinks are made here and I highly recommend the Happy Hour with great prices on food\drink. Bar area ( 9 seats) is clean & impressive, and dining room bright & cheery. Stopped in during HH and had a few drinks waiting for my To Go order. Excellent Mojito cocktail; Red Sangria was very good too A group of us all agreed; One of The Best Cuban sandwiches anywhere. Stuffed with plenty of marinated pork & ham. And served with perfect plantain chips ( freshly made, not like the jawbreakers you get elsewhere.) Best corn tamale ( topped with fried pork (chicharron) and criolla) ever. So fresh, soft and flavorful The steamed yucca bathed in garlicky mojo sauce was cooked perfectly and every bite delectable. Empanadas may be small but very flavorful; I had the oxtail and the spinach with manchego cheese. Sooo good. Can't wait to try the brie with mushroom. The only item that fell flat for me was the chicken wings tossed in Cilantro and lime mojo. Needed more cilantro & lime!!! ( it also comes in a Spicy mango habanero sauce) Dessert menu sounds really good. Looking forward to eating here again. Highly recommended.

After a long hike and starving I went to this restaurant randomly to try the food. Its ride on the…read moreside of the road and sort of like a trucker stop kinda place. The restaurant itself is not much to write home about but the food... omg I was mind blown. The best pasdionfrit morisoñando we've ever. If you're dominican, you know. The food was DELICIOUS and very fresh. The chicharon, on point! The owner was there and makes you feel at home and welcomed Would definitely recommend.

Very cute. Delicious authentic food. Service is excellent. I had ordered a few trays of food for…read moreparty and everyone raved over the carnitas.

We really enjoy the empanadas here…read more Here is our rating of each we've tried. Beef & cheese 10/10 Shrimp 10/10 Pizza (super cheesy) 10/10 Crab 8/10 Chicken & cheese 8/10 Salmon 6.5/10 Personally don't feel the need for the sauce, especially for the seafood ones, because they are so tasty as is! Staff is friendly, too.

The food hits the spot! It makes me think of the warm, comforting meals I used to enjoy with my…read moreabuela. From yellow rice, black beans, empanadas, tostones, mofongo, and more!! Each dish is a delightful reminder of home. I definitely recommend this cozy mom-and-pop spot, where the staff is friendly and helpful. I ordered carryout and I appreciated the tv tuned to a World Cup game while we waited.

Had catered food from this place that relatives in Westfield served , the pernil was excellent as…read morewere the rice and cooked plantains . There were a little bit of leftovers which I snagged and ate them that night after returning home .

Food is made with love clearly, the seasoning is amazing. The ambiance reminds you of old Cuba…read morewhich is amazing and the point they are trying to get across. Lastly the servers and even owner come out regularly to check on you and provide great customer experiences.